SC Clarifies: Spyware Itself Not a Problem, Misuse Raises Concerns

National News: The Supreme Court has fixed the date of 30 July 2025 for the next hearing on petitions related to Pegasus spyware. Justice Suryakant and Justice N.K. Singh's bench clarified during this time that the existence of spyware is not wrong in itself, but if it has been used for citizens' espionage, it is a serious subject and will be investigated.

The court has directed the petitioners to keep the names of the persons before the court who suspects that Pegasus software was inserted in their mobiles or other equipment.

'The issue is of use, not existence'

During the hearing, the Supreme Court clearly stated, "If a country uses spyware for its safety then there is nothing wrong in this. The question is what is its scope and purpose. The court said that the security of the country is paramount, but if a person's privacy has been violated, then his complaint will be resolved.

'Technical panel reports are not discussed by roads'

The court also said that the report of the Technical Committee constituted to investigate the Pegasus case cannot be made a part of the public debate. The court was of the opinion that this is a sensitive issue and the report should be analyzed within the legal realm and not as political discourse.

Government's argument: 'No right to privacy of terrorists'

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the government, said in the court, "Terrorists or suspects involved in anti -national activities cannot be given the right to privacy. Spaiware has been used only for national security."

He also added that the government never misuse the freedom of citizens, and if anyone has any personal apprehension, it will be dealt with under a legal process.

What is the Pegasus dispute?

Pegasus is a spyware developed by an Israeli company NSO Group, which can quietly hack any smartphone. In 2021, global media reports revealed that this software was used in many countries including India for spying of journalists, judges, workers and politicians. 

After these revelations, several petitions were filed in India, in which the government faced serious allegations of spying citizens. The Supreme Court had conducted an investigation by forming an independent technical committee in view of the seriousness of the case. Now the court can take important decisions in the next hearing on July 30, based on the report and petitions of this committee.